Governments are incorporating longer-term perspectives into policymaking, something Indigenous Peoples in North America, with ‘seventh generation decision making’ have practiced for centuries.

But the question of justice is not just for humans anymore.

Recognizing the rights of nature is key to a liveable future, Ecuador, Brazil and Bolivia, and Ireland are changing to reflect these rights.

Sperm whales speak to each other. Who speaks for them?

And what if robots become sentient?

UNDP’s Blue Marble encourages a new social contract for humans and the intelligence of all life forms – which includes climate weather patterns and geological features.

A basic income in exchange for conservation work could “pay the future”. This is already working in places such as Indonesia and the Amazon.

The Summit of the Future has put forward a Pact for the Future and a Declaration on Future Generations, as major opportunities.

Governments are intensifying investments in silicon chip production and development of their own “sovereign” AI, which is seen as a strategic national asset. What can be done to prevent an AI arms race?

India now requires government approval of new AI. China’s cyberspace regulator has promised to work with Africa on governance. Regional efforts towards ethical AI governance include the Santiago Declaration to Promote Ethical AI in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy for Africa. Yet, only 69 countries have policies or strategies regulating AI.

The 2024 UN General Assembly resolution prioritizes AI as a global good.

Becoming “more than human” raises ethical and legal questions. NATO has adopted the first international strategy on the use of bio- and human-enhancement tech. Privacy is a central issue. Legislatures in Chile, Mexico, Brazil and the US are starting to recognize “neurorights” and the privacy of “neurodata”.

As the space economy becomes more mission critical for life on Earth, so does its governance. New space blocs may mean rivalries on Earth are simply transposed to space. Will it become a new conflict zone? These risks can be reduced if space blocs remain open to all.

The global food system is also an area of extraordinary innovation, from reforestation to livestock methane mitigation and regenerative agriculture to biodegradable preservation stickers which extend food shelf life.

Food security is likely to remain one of the world’s critical challenges. Collective intelligence may help find solutions.

Over 60 percent of people surveyed in 28 countries believe that establishment leaders in politics, business and journalism are purposely trying to mislead.

Deepfakes can further divide us on issues like climate change or inequality. Algorithms create “filter bubbles” that confirm our existing beliefs. Online manipulation may partly explain the growing gulf in political views between young women and young men.

As AI and technology disrupt traditional jobs – and create new ones in sectors like creative and digital – education has to adapt, teaching skills for the jobs of the future. Policies to enhance AI literacy would help to narrow the growing divide between those with and those without access to AI, along with AI-driven productivity gains and its economic benefits.

“Hermit consumers” in the rich world are spending more on staying at home, with US$600 billion less spent on experiences such as hospitality and recreation.

Loneliness poses a threat to societies. One German study found it correlated with anti-democratic attitudes, populism, and belief in conspiracy theories.